The Physiology of Light Perception lab is looking to hire a postdoctoral fellow for an exciting project at the interface of neuroscience and cell biology.
About the position and project
This position is funded for ~1.5 years, with the idea of looking for fellowships after these first years. The position is available immediately. It is supported by a Velux Stiftung grant and is a collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Adamantidis (https:// tidis-lab.org/). The overall objectives of the project are to identify retinal ganglion cell subtype(s) projecting to nuclei implicated in sleep/wake regulation, to dissect the circuits by which they provide light information to the brain, and to evaluate the impact of retinal degeneration on alertness as well as the rescue potential of optogenetic strategies. We use cutting-edge methods ranging from multi-electrode arrays and optogenetics to transcriptomics. While light entrainment of the circadian clock is well understood; the non-circadian, acute effects of light on alertness remain elusive. Understanding how light directly affects sleep-wake-controlling nuclei will have a seminal impact on preventing and managing an increasing epidemic of chronic diseases that are related to aberrant light exposure and sleep disruption. You will drive this project with supervision and mentoring from group leader Ludovic Mure: devise experiments, acquire, and analyze data, work with team members, and prepare publications.
About the team and environment
The Physiology of Light Perception lab (https: // www. murelab.org) is a newly established team, part of the Department of Ophthalmology (https: // www. augenheilkunde.insel.ch/en/teaching-and-research) located on the Insel hospital and the University of Bern. The overarching aim of the team is to understand how light affects diverse brain functions. In particular, how modern disruptive light environments may predispose or induce diseases and how to leverage light effects to optimize human health and performance. We have recognized expertise in the study of non-visual responses to light from cells to circuits and behavior. In the team, we aim at making ambitious and rigorous science by fostering a positive environment based on respect, team spirit, good communication, and mentoring.
About the profile
We are looking for candidates with a PhD in neuroscience or molecular biology with experience in either electrophysiology or transcriptomics and a strong motivation to push things forward. Skills in large datasets analysis, image analysis, and programming (Matlab, R, or python) are a plus. Discipline for promptly and rigorously designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments as well as motivation to develop new workflows are expected. Taste for interdisciplinary work, team spirit, ability to interact and collaborate with team members and collaborators, a general sense of camaraderie, and motivation to learn are a must. We are committed to equal-opportunity hiring. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women or candidates from any country.
About the application
Interested in this opportunity? Please apply by sending a CV, the name of 2 or more references, representative publications, and a motivation letter stating why we should work together on this project to [email protected] Don't hesitate to contact Ludovic more informally if you have any questions about the position.
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